Join Us for Arts Night Out at the DIA

Join Leadership Macomb for an inspiring evening of art, conversation, and community connection at Arts Night Out at the Detroit Institute of Arts. On Friday, December 11, we will gather with fellow Macomb County community members to explore the DIA and experience its groundbreaking exhibition, Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture , during Tri-County Free Days. This is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the usual routine, enjoy a memorable cultural experience, and spend time with family, friends, and fellow local leaders.

Arts Night Out is free to attend, but registration is required by Friday, December 4. We hope you will join us for an evening that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and the relationships that make our community stronger.

An Evening Designed for Art and Connection

At Leadership Macomb, we believe leadership development happens in many settings—not only in meeting rooms and classrooms, but also through shared experiences that help us see our community and one another in new ways. Arts Night Out brings people together around an experience that is both meaningful and enjoyable.

The Detroit Institute of Arts offers an exceptional setting for an evening of discovery. Its galleries invite visitors to slow down, ask questions, exchange perspectives, and connect with stories told through art. Whether you are a regular museum visitor or someone who has not been to the DIA in years, this outing is a welcoming chance to explore at your own pace and enjoy the company of others.

We encourage Leadership Macomb participants, alumni, supporters, friends, and anyone interested in community leadership to attend. Bring your family members, invite a friend, or make plans to meet someone new along the way. The more people who share in the experience, the more opportunities there are for conversation and connection.

Explore Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture

The evening will include time to experience Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture , a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most celebrated artists. Known widely for her distinctive paintings of flowers, landscapes, and city scenes, O’Keeffe also had a deep and lasting relationship with architecture.

This exhibition provides an opportunity to consider the built environment through O’Keeffe’s artistic vision. From urban structures to the forms and spaces that influenced her work, the exhibition encourages visitors to look closely at how buildings, places, and design can shape creativity. It is an especially fitting experience for people who care about Macomb County, civic engagement, and the places where our communities live, work, gather, and grow.

Art has a unique way of opening the door to new conversations. As you move through the exhibition, you may find yourself reflecting on the connection between design and identity, the importance of preserving meaningful places, or the role that creativity plays in solving community challenges. There is no right way to experience the museum—simply come ready to explore and enjoy the evening.

Meet Us in Mount Clemens

We will begin the evening at Orleans Sports Cafe in Mount Clemens at 5:00 PM. This is a casual chance to connect before heading to the museum. Dinner is on your own, so feel free to arrive hungry, enjoy a meal, and spend time catching up with friends or meeting fellow attendees.

If you are planning to ride the bus to the DIA, please be at Orleans Sports Cafe by 5:50 PM. The bus will depart promptly at 6:00 PM, so we encourage everyone using transportation to plan ahead and allow extra time for arrival. Starting the evening together in Mount Clemens makes it easy to share the experience from the very beginning.

Not riding the bus? You are still welcome to take part in Arts Night Out. We look forward to seeing everyone as we gather to enjoy an evening dedicated to art, culture, and connection.

Why Shared Experiences Matter

Leadership Macomb is proud to create opportunities that bring people together beyond traditional professional development settings. Strong community leadership grows through relationships, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from different ideas and experiences. A night at the museum can offer all of those things.

When we gather around a shared experience, conversation often unfolds naturally. A favorite work of art, an unexpected detail in an exhibition, or a thoughtful observation from someone else can become the starting point for a new connection. These moments support the relationship-building that is so important to a thriving Macomb County.

Arts Night Out is also a reminder that community impact is strengthened when we make room for joy, creativity, and connection. We hope this event gives attendees an opportunity to recharge, broaden their perspectives, and leave feeling more connected to the people and places around them.

Bring the People You Enjoy Being With

This event is open to more than just Leadership Macomb participants. Feel free to bring your family and friends along for the evening. Arts Night Out is an easy, welcoming way to introduce someone to the Leadership Macomb community while enjoying one of the region’s most treasured cultural institutions.

Whether you attend with a longtime friend, a colleague, a spouse, a neighbor, or several family members, we are excited to share this experience with you. An evening at the DIA can be a meaningful outing for people of all ages and interests, especially when it is paired with great conversation and community spirit.

Reserve Your Spot by December 4

Because this is a free event, space is a valuable opportunity we want to make available to those planning to attend. Please register by Friday, December 4, so we can prepare for the group and transportation arrangements.

Mark your calendar for Friday, December 11, invite someone to join you, and get ready for an evening that combines art, culture, networking, and local connection. We look forward to seeing you at Orleans Sports Cafe and then at the Detroit Institute of Arts for Arts Night Out.

For questions, please contact Julie at jpetkoff@leadershipmacomb.org.

FAQ

When is Arts Night Out?

Arts Night Out takes place on Friday, December 11. We will meet at Orleans Sports Cafe in Mount Clemens at 5:00 PM.

Is there a cost to attend?

No. Arts Night Out is a free event. Registration is required by Friday, December 4.

What time does the bus leave for the DIA?

The bus will depart promptly from Orleans Sports Cafe at 6:00 PM. Please arrive by 5:50 PM if you plan to ride the bus.

Can I bring family or friends?

Yes. Family members and friends are welcome to join us for this evening of art, culture, and connection.

Who should I contact with questions?

Please contact Julie at jpetkoff@leadershipmacomb.org with any questions about the event.